SAHARA Las Vegas

SAHARA Las Vegas: A Comprehensive Hotel Review (Michelin Key Selected Property)

SAHARA Las Vegas, a Michelin Key selected property, generally garners a positive reception, often highlighted for its successful blend of classic Vegas charm with modern luxury following extensive renovations. Guests frequently appreciate its boutique-style atmosphere, which offers a more intimate experience compared to some of the larger, more chaotic Strip resorts.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for SAHARA Las Vegas is largely positive, with many guests praising its refreshed ambiance and good value. It's often described as a "high-quality hotel" that offers "upscale comfort and high-end amenities." Reviewers on platforms like Hotels.com rate it highly, with one guest calling it their "new go-to for Vegas" after finding the staff incredible and the hotel updated with a great view. While some individual experiences vary, the general consensus points to a pleasant and worthwhile stay.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love several aspects of SAHARA Las Vegas:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel boasts a luxurious and attractive lobby with avant-garde lighting, marble floors, and gold accents. The property has undergone a 21st-century makeover, offering an eclectic style across its three towers. Many appreciate its "old school vibe without being overly flashy" and the overall clean and well-kept appearance.
• Intimate Casino Experience: Unlike the often-crowded casinos on the central Strip, SAHARA's 60,000 square foot casino is frequently noted as "relaxing and spacious," "small and quiet," and less crowded.
• Dining Variety: The hotel is often recognized as a "hottest hotel for foodies" due to its diverse and high-quality restaurant lineup.
• Monorail Accessibility: The convenient SAHARA Las Vegas Monorail Station at the back door of the hotel is a significant highlight, offering easy access to other parts of the Strip without the need for driving or dealing with heavy traffic.
• Free Parking: The availability of free parking (both self-parking and valet, though valet reliability can vary) is a much-appreciated perk in Las Vegas.
• Pools: The hotel offers multiple pools, including the Alexandria rooftop pool with views of the mountains and downtown, and the Azilo Ultra Pool for a beach club vibe. The main pool offers free entry for hotel guests and locals 21+, which is a rarity in Vegas.

3. Room Quality

The rooms, particularly those in the recently remodeled Marra Tower, receive high marks for their stylishness, comfort, and modern amenities.

• Design & Comfort: Marra King rooms are described as having a sleek decor that mixes classic luxury with hip, modern touches. Guests report extremely comfortable king-sized beds with premium quality bedding, making them hard to leave. Rooms often include a sitting area, a large work desk, and a big flat-screen TV that can connect to streaming services like Netflix.
• Features: Thoughtful inclusions like luxurious plush bathrobes and slippers, dental hygiene kits, and shaving kits are noted as above-and-beyond touches. Many rooms feature a huge LED-lit mirror, adding to the stylish feel and making the room seem larger. Some rooms offer stunning Downtown or Strip views.
• Bathrooms: While sometimes described as compact, bathrooms are generally found to be gorgeous and functionally designed with rainfall showerheads in glass-enclosed showers.
• Variations: It's worth noting that while Marra Tower rooms are frequently praised, some older reviews mention rooms being a "bit dated" in other sections. Smaller rooms are also a recurring point of feedback, with some feeling "underwhelmed" by the size upon entry.

4. Dining Experience

SAHARA Las Vegas is recognized for its impressive culinary offerings, ranging from fine dining to casual eateries.

• Fine Dining:
  • Bazaar Meat by José Andrés: This award-winning restaurant by a Michelin-starred chef is perfect for steak and meat lovers, offering a unique tapas-style dining experience.
  • Balla Italian Soul: Chef Shawn McClain's Italian restaurant balances coastal Italian cuisine with creative innovations, serving antipasti, fresh pasta, roasted meats, and pizzas. It was awarded Best New Italian Restaurant by Las Vegas Weekly in 2023.
• Casual Dining:
  • The Noodle Den: Specializes in classic Northern Chinese fare, including hand-pulled noodles and dumplings, with an exhibition kitchen allowing guests to watch the preparation.
  • Chickie's & Pete's: An American sports bar known for its famous Crabfries and a wide selection of American comfort food, hailed by ESPN as the #1 Sports Bar in North America.
  • Uno Más Street Tacos + Spirits: Offers authentic Mexican street tacos and delicious cocktails.
  • Zeffer's Cafe: The premier breakfast restaurant, offering brunch favorites from hearty Southern food to healthy bowls and salads. Breakfast here can be pricey and is typically not included in the room rate.
• Other Options: There is also a Starbucks in the lobby for quick coffee and pastries.
• Overall Quality: Many guests have expressed satisfaction with the dining options, with some finding the food absolutely delicious and the service attentive.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on service and staff is generally positive. The front desk agents are described as friendly and welcoming. Guests have noted that the staff is "incredible" and willing to go out of their way to assist. One reviewer specifically mentioned excellent service at Balla restaurant. The staff is also attentive to COVID-19 safety measures, providing masks if needed. However, some isolated complaints about rude staff have been noted.

6. Location & Accessibility

SAHARA Las Vegas is situated on the north end of the Las Vegas Strip.

• "North Strip" Location: This location offers a slightly removed experience from the most intense hustle and bustle of the central Strip, which some guests prefer for a quieter stay. It's close to other attractions on the north end like The STRAT, Resorts World, and the upcoming Fontainebleau.
• Transportation: The most significant advantage of its location is the direct access to the SAHARA Las Vegas Monorail Station, which provides convenient and easy transportation to most of the Strip's major resorts and attractions. Public buses (Deuce bus) also have a stop right across from the hotel. Free parking is available for those with cars.
• Surrounding Area: While the hotel itself is a modern and luxurious property, the immediate surrounding area on the north end of the Strip has received some criticism for its reputation, with a higher presence of homeless individuals and some nearby businesses experiencing issues. Some guests advise caution when walking in the area, especially at night.

7. Value & Pricing

SAHARA Las Vegas is often considered a good value for the quality it offers, particularly given its status as a four-star property with upscale amenities.

• Price Range: Room rates can vary significantly depending on the day of the week, events in Las Vegas, and the specific tower/room type. Prices can be as low as $16.99 to $94 per night, excluding taxes and fees, for standard rooms during off-peak times, but can increase for weekends or more luxurious suites. Deals with no resort fees have also been observed, making it even more budget-friendly.
• Worth the Cost: Many guests feel they receive "luxury at a bargain price" and that the aesthetic and modern feel of the hotel offer great value for the price point. The combination of renovated rooms, diverse dining, and good accessibility makes it a cost-effective option for many.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring issues and criticisms include:

• Elevator Issues: Some guests have reported issues with elevators, including long waits and multiple elevators being out of service in certain towers.
• Cigarette Smoke: Despite efforts, the smell of cigarette smoke in the casino area is a common complaint among some reviewers.
• North Strip Area Perception: The immediate vicinity of the hotel on the far north end of the Strip can be perceived as less desirable or "sketchy" by some, with concerns about homeless populations and safety in the surrounding blocks, although the hotel property itself is generally secure.
• Noise: While the casino is often praised for being quiet, some guests have reported hearing hallway noise from their rooms.
• Room Size: While the decor is appreciated, some standard rooms are described as small or "matchbox" sized.
• Resort Fees: As is common with many Las Vegas hotels, resort fees are an additional cost, though some promotions may waive them.
• Limited Quick Service Food: Some guests noted a lack of quick-service food options directly within the hotel, requiring them to go across the street for fast food.

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